Divya Deshmukh NDTV Exclusive: "Beating Koneru Humpy Wasn't New, Winning World Cup Feels Great"
Deshmukh showed steely resolve on Monday, and the bonus for the determination was the Grandmaster title -- reserved for the champion of this event. Deshmukh is now the fourth Indian woman player to achieve the GM feat after Humpy, Dronavalli Harika and R Vaishali.
Q: Your first reaction on winning the chess World Cup...
A: I am very happy and relieved for this win and the fact that I won that my grandmaster title
Q: There are only for 4 Grandmasters in India. Anyone you look up to?
A: There are a lot of things to look up to from a lot of people. I do not have a specific role model.
Q: How was it beating Koneru Humpy? Though not your first.
A: She is an incredible player and super strong. I have huge respect for her and this wasn't our first match-up, so wasn't new…clinching the World Cup has been great.
Q: You have also qualified for Candidates. What will be your prime focus?
A: I have not had time to process this win. I was very invested in this tournament. I need some more time.
Q: We saw your fun nail art, was it for the tournament?
A: It's just the chess board on my nail.
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